Protest in Gasteiz supporting Xuban

The protest in Gasteiz

According to naiz, hundreds of people have protested against the sentence that leaves unpunished the Ertzaintza (basque regional police) aggresion against Xuban Nafarrate.

The slogan of the protest: "ARES (basque interior minister during that general strike), Ertzaintza, judges,   we do not believe you. Justice for Xuban". They have protested in front of the Ertzaintza headquearters in Gasteiz (Araba south basque country). Different political parties, trade unions and organizations have supported it.

New youth dynamics in north basque country

According to Kazeta, a new youth dynamic is going to be created by young people of North Basque Country (Iparralde). To start, they have organized a "Gazte Eguna" (Young Day in basque) this saturday in Ezpeleta (Lapurdi north basque country).

The basque young revolutionary organization, Segi, was dissolved the 15 of June 2012. After that dissolution, they were meeting with the young people of different towns of north basque country. After that meetings, they decided to organize a Gazte Eguna in Ezpeleta with debate, entertainment and concerts (Betagarri, Su Ta Gar and Luz de Putas). There is going to be also a dinner, dance, games and sweepstakes.

According to the (Ana Unhassobisacay and Koldo Etxegarai) 70 youngs are meeting in the different towns of north basque country. They have also added that in north basque country young people "generally do not have a militant culture" and "the division politic that suffered Iparralde" have influenced also.

Protest in Atarrabia against police violence

Angel Zudaire

Different people have called a protest today in front of the town the council of Atarrabia (Nafarroa south basque country). They are going to denounce the violence that police used during the general strike of 26 of September 2012 (supported by pro-independence trade unions like ELA and LAB). 

During that general strike, spanish police and foral police (Nafarroa regional police) attacked the people that was participating in the pickets, protests and demonstrations. The violence was especially brutal in Iruña (capytol of Nafarroa) where dozens of people were injured. One of them, Angel Zudaire (the photo on the right), has lost the vision on one of his eyes after being hit by a rubber ball (spanish police and foral police used rubber balls against people).

The assembly of injured people during the general strike ("Asamblea de Afectados del 26-S") have asked the claryfication of the events, responsabilities and the not use of rubber balls.

Images of the general strike 2012/09/26:

Trial against Manex Castro and Iraitz Santa Cruz (accused of killing Ignacio Uria)

High-speed rail in basque country

According to berria, today has started the trial against Manex Castro and Iraitz Santa Cruz. They are accused of killing Ignacio Uria on 2008. Ignacio Uria was a businessman implicated in the construction of High-speed rail in south basque country. The High-Speed rail is a controversial project rejected by different ecologist organizations and basque national liberation movement. Although there are important cuts in social services, healthcare, education system etc. The construction of High-Speed rail have continued supported by spanish unionism (UPN-PP-PSOE) and basque right (PNV/EAJ). In the past, High Speed rail was targeted by ETA with bombs and sabotages. On 2008, some militants of ETA killed Ignacio Uria (an important businessman) who was linked with a company that was building the rail.

Spanish authorities have asked 59 years of imprisonment to Manex Castro (accused of killing Uria and of being member of "a terrorist group) and 10 years to Iraitz Santa Cruz (accused of helping ETA). Spanish authorities have also asked them to pay the damages: 160.000 euros for the widow and 240.000 for the sons and daughthers.

The arrest of Manex on 2009 (spanish media):

Old "documentary" of Russia Today

I have found and old "documentary" of Basque Conflict in english made by Russia Today TV channel. It was made before ETA gave up arms. I encourage you to see from a critical perspective.

Interview to Txerra Bolinaga and Zigor Olabarria

Taken from naiz, a interview to two militants of Eleak (a basque organization that fights for basque country civil and political rights). The original interview is in basque so the translation can have errors.

Ten days ago, in Donosti (Gipuzkoa south basque country), hundreds of people supported the youth of Oarsaldea (Gipuzkoa south basque country). Which is your valoration?

BOLINAGA: The valuation has two aspects, one is good and the other one bad. The good, the work that we have done during that months, the popular work spread among people. But the demonstration has a bad aspect, because at the final Ertzaintza (basque regional police) arrested them. Our final objetive is that anyone more is arrested. To achieve that we are working in the way, to make more steps forward. We have received a lot of support, there have been a lot of work.

OLABARRIA:  I was in Donosti, and it has been commented that there was improvisation in some moments. At the moment of the arrests, we were left with a bittersweet taste. Some things went well, other ones less, we have evaluated it the local groups. For us is very positive the new way that we are doing. The past year with some of the things that we learnt in Gasteiz (Araba south basque country) -with the arrest of Ekaitz Samaniego- we say that it was the beginning and the charged people know that the actions are not for them, are for those who come after, they know that are going to be imprisoned.

Was clear that Ertzaintza did not want to make the arrests?

T.B: It was clear that there was not going to be arrests. It was a bit forced. They (Ertzaintza) did not want that image.
Z.O: They are accustomed to arrest people at the night and without witness. In that aspect, our fight, or better said, one of our fights -because our main struggle is to prevent more arrests and achieve the freedom for the people that is jailed- is to achieve the arrests during the day and with the protection of people.
T.B: That's our philosophy. We know that we have to learn more and we think that in that struggle are large missing forces. Now, with all that is happening, taking into account the social and political situation, I think that we have to add forces at social level.

The arrests, despite of being uncomfortable, can they to denounce the situation today?

Z.O: Yes. In a time a way was created in north basque country with the militants of Segi and we use that way in the arrest of Ekaitz Samaniego in south basque country. That way was an step, and that step may be is running out in some situations. If that is so, we must make new steps. People thinks that the person who is going to receive the most damage -the people who is going to be arrested- can not have the greater engagement. We have to create new ways to confront with the situation.
T.B: I want to emphasize in the step that some have made. The engaigament of the youth of Errenteria: Lujanbio, Arkaitz and Maitane.
 
You say that new steps must be made. Whick kind of steps?

Z.O: We are reflecting and learning with our contradictions. We have seen that a debate has been created in the society, that is positive for us, previously there was not debate with the civil rights violation. It's a good signal. We will see in the future if its good or not to confront with the actual situation the expand of disobedience actions to the people that is around (no to that who is going to be arrested). That is, for example, one of the reflections that we must make..
T.B: As Zigor has said, now we are still learning. I think that the most beautiful thing that it has been created in the case of Ekaitz and the youth of Errenteria, is the popular work. We want to create a protection (matrioska is one of the symbols that Eleak uses) of different organizations, as in the case of D3M (an outlawed political party in south basque country).

Matrioska (the symbol) borned one year ago to protect Ekaitz Samaniego. Can we say that it is a new symbol?

Z.O: One year ago we say: That situations, that a lot of times go unnoticed, must be public, making these arrests more difficult. Now we see, after a year, that in a lot of places are asking the symbol of Matrioska for their work. For us that's good.
T.B: We know that matrioska can bee seen anywhere. People have understood the protection that we want to symbolize with matrioska.

Have that protection showed the attitude of police?

T.B: That is one of the objetives. We think that the arrests must not be in their homes, going unnoticed. Arrests must be in the streets, Ekaitz and the youth of Errenteria knew that they were going to be arrested. But we showed that in the streets, we can achieve the protection of people. We saw in Donosti, with that kind of actions, how the youth have achieved the protection of people, but we do not achieve to prevent the arrests, our main objetive.
Z.O: We know that is very hard to see an arrest. That's why we want to reverse the current situation, creating new ways and new engainaments. To confront the current situation we must create new forces.

 EAJ/PNV (Basque Nationalist Pary) have said that the attitude of Ertzaintza have changed. Do you think that Ertzaintza can be turn in a "civil police"?

Z.O: The customs of many years can be changed in some days. We know, that Ertzaintza acts with the repressive laws that spanish state use in Euskadi (Gipuzkoa-Araba-Bizkaia)

In north basque country, french political parties critized the arrest of Aurore Martin. Do you expect that change in the attitude of spanish political parties?

T.B: To the popular party will cost much. In the case of PSE (local PSOE), it can be. They have been implicated in the theatre/cinema actions of Errenteria. Besides, they met with the youth of Errenteria and we talked also with Rafaela Romero (member of PSE)
Z.O: Joseba Sarrionandia said, "In the basque country a lot of people support peace but there are few creators of peace". In my opinion, we must increase the pressure on the people that theoretically support peace to turn them in creators of peace.

In the future, which kind of actions is going to make Eleak?

T.B:  The matrioska is going to offer protection to the people that is going to be judged on 4 of February for showing basque political prisoners photos during the Korrika. We know that 15 youth of Donosti have been cited in the court to know the sentence. As we said in the demonstration of Donosti, our struggle have not finished. There are still a lot of trials in Basque Country
Z.O: We use the image of two walls to represent our work. We work in the protection of social righs and political rights. We always say that our objetive is not only to denounce the past, unfortunately, our struggle is going to continue in the future.

UPN does not give license to a radio in Basque

According to naiz, UPN (the unionist and right-wing political party in Nafarroa) have denied the license to "Euskal Herria Irratia" (a radio with that offers programs, interviews, news and music in basque language). The radio station has spent 25 years asking the license. Besides, UPN have given the radio licenses to other radio stations: Cope (spanish catholic, unionist and right-wing radio station) and Ser (spanish unionist), Intereconomia (spanish far-right) etc.

The journalists of "Euskalerria Irratia" have denounced that situation. UPN has ignored the advise of European Council of promoting a TV and a radio in Euskara (basque language). UPN chases the basque culture and language in Nafarroa (where spanish unionism is strong). More information about the attitude of UPN with basque language: http://basqueconflict.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/ea-fined-with-45000-euros-for.html

First year of Herrira

The Herrira movement, have made this video with different images of the mobilizations and actions in support of basque political prisoners made during 2012.

Irish republican solidarity with Basque Country and Basque solidarity with Irish struggle

Taken from: http://nortedeirlanda.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/marcha-por-el-41-aniversario-del-bloody.html

On January 30 1972, british soldiers shot to the unarmed irish during a protest in favour of Civil and Political rights in Derry (Ireland). British troops killed 14 irish civilians that day. That crime was know as "Bloody Sunday" and a march recalls that crime every year in Derry.

Thousands of people have participated in the march. Different organizations, political parties and people have supported the march: 32CSM, Eirigi, IRSP, RSF, RNU, anarchists, Antifascists, feminists, Dublin Basque Committee... During the march, they have showed banners and flags supporting basque struggle.

Dancing in the basque country: Video

The Basque schools (Ikastolak) of north basque country in danger

Seaska logo

"A brutal attack, a declaration of war" have said Hur Gorostiaga leader of Seaska (basque schools organization in north basque country) after the decision of Patrick Dallennes (french government delegate in Iparralde). He has forbidden to give help to the Ikastola of Hendaia (Lapurdi north basque country).

In north basque country there are 30 "ikastola" in Seaska with 3.000 students. A Ikastola is a school where children can learn in "euskera" (basque language) almost all subjects (except english, french or spanish). In french state, public schools do not teach in basque. According to Hur Gorostiaga, Patrick Dallennes have used a law of 1850 to not give help.

In the past, Seaska have received money from different public institutions for the schools. So, according to that law "Seaska" schools must not receive help from institutions. According to him, if the schools do not receive help from public institutions, the %90 of basque schools in iparralde will be in danger.

National assembly of Herrira

Herrira (the main basque organization/movement that fights in support of basque political prisoners rights) have organized their first national assembly in Irun (Gipuzkoa south basque country). Herrira is organized in different groups of militants along the towns and cities of all the basque country.

More than 300 of people have participated in it. Firstly, they took stock of 2012 and it was decided which is going to be the program for the 2013. That according to Herrira, the main objective of that program is going to be "reach a social agreement to overcome the exceptional measures" against basque prisoners. They are going to promote the tools of appropriate sensitization. 

There is going to be more pressure (doing more efforts in basque country and other countries) to the different governments with the objective of ending with the exceptional measures. Besides, there have also decided other two objectives:

1. Ensure the assistance and solidarity with prisoners, exilis and their relatives. Not only economic, also emotional, material etc.

2. Continue organizing and strengthen the "Herrira" movement as "participatory, large and plural". In addition, based on local autonomy of each group.

 

Demonstration in support of the right to marry between homosexuals

Baiona yesterday

According to Kazeta, one thousand of people  supported yesterday a march claiming the right to marry between homosexuals in Baiona (Lapurdi north basque country). Different collectives have supported the march. In all the french state there is a campaign in support of the right to marry for all the people. In the demonstration there have been also basque antifascist organizations denouncing the homophobia

They have also organized cars for traveling to Paris (french state) where there is going to be a massive demonstration.

Trial against "Batasuna" and "Herriko Tabernak"

Guardia Civil closing a Herriko Taberna

Soon, it is going to start the trial against "Herriko Tabernak" (Abertzale left social pubs) case in the "Audencia Nacional" (a special tribunal created to fight against basque struggle). The Herrikos who wish can be judged individually.

On 2002, 11 people were arrested in south basque country and after that arrests, 75 "Herriko Tabernak" were foreclosed by spanish authorities. On the same year, "Batasuna" (pro-independence and socialist political party) started to be outlawed. On 2003, it was definitely outlawed.

According to spanish authorities, the "Herriko Tabernak" were used to finance ETA. A "Herriko Taberna"  (People's pub in basque) was usually a pub (not always) where Abertzale left militants and supporters meet. On 2002, spanish police, Ertzaintza (basque regional police) and Guardia Civil (spanish military police) entered in dozens of Herriko Tabernak to foreclose it. There were incidents in different towns and villages of south basque country. Despite of that, nowadays there are still different Herriko's in all the basque country.

Ertzaintza harassment in Gasteiz

Stock photo

According to topatu, Ertzaintza (basque regional police) entered yesterday in the "Gaztetxe" (a squatted building with people of different ideologies) of Gasteiz (Araba south basque country). One person was identified and police took the photographs of basque political prisoners  that were in the "Gaztetxe". Besides, they searched all the young that were in that moment inside. 

The Abertzale left have supported the people that was in the "Gaztetxe". They have also said to the new government of Euskadi (PNV/EAJ Basque Nationalist Party) that is going to be difficult to achieve a new policial model with that kind of attitudes. On November of 2012, there was a similar actuation of police in the "Gaztetxe" of Gasteiz.

The Abertzale left support Catalonia declaration of Sovereignty

According to naiz, Pernando Barrena (member of official Abertzale left) have supported the recent declaration of Sovereignty of Catalonia. According to him, that declaration is an important political action based on the right of autodetermination. For Pernando Barrena, "catalan people must be who decide on their future, as they see fit, how they want and without limits". Besides, he has remarked that the same idea can be moved to the basque country "replacing Catalan or Catalonia for Basque or Basque Country".

"The Basque people must be who decide about our future in freedom". Pernando Barrena has said to other projects of spanish state that: "To the people that is talking about asymmetry, federation, more power for regions or constitutional reform we want to say only one thing: Whether in such models can we decide freely"

Catalonia is only a part of "Paisos Catalans".

Xabier Bidaurre sentenced to a year of prison

Xabier Bidaurre

According to topatu, Xabier Bidaurre has been sentenced to a year of prison by the "Audencia Nacional" (a special court that its main objective is fight against basque struggle). He was accused of "exalting terrorism". According to spanish authorities, on 2010 some banners appeared in Galdakao (Bizkaia south basque country) with slogans in support of basque political pirsoners. Ertzaintza (basque regional police) took the banners and took the fingerprints that supposedly identify with Xabier.

One month after that, he was arrested accused of being member of Segi. He has not been yet tried for the accusation of being member of Segi. For the legal defense of Xabier, the slogans in support of basque political prisoners are a personal opinion of Xabier.

Different people of Galdakao have denounced that Ertzaintza harassment is necessary for the "Audiencia Nacional". Besides, spanish government continue with the repression against basque struggle despite the new situation after the decision of ETA to not use more arms. Different protests have been called in Galdakao.

Lurzaindia

According to Kazeta, different organizations of north basque country have decided to create "Lurzaindia". The organizations that support "Lurzaindia" are: ELB trade union (basque farmers of north basque country), "Arrapitz" federation (basque farmers that fights for the develop of basque farmers), "Euskal Herriko Laborantza Ganbara" (an organization where north basque country farmers and ranchers meet) and "Euskal Herriko inter AMAP". According to them, the farmers land is used to speculate and "Lurzaindia" will fight more strongly against that speculation.

Besides, Lurzaindia will collect money to buy collectively land and improve farmers installations. Lurzaindia have been presented in Baiona (Lapurdi north basque country). The first objective of Lurzaindia is "
convert in collectively owned the land that feeds us and protect from the speculator market". They have also asked to the different organizations, institutions and companies to collect money.

In north basque country, the real estate speculation and other facts make the loss 1000 hectares each year

"Txiki" Muñoz elected leader of ELA

"Txiki" Muños has been elected as leader of the basque trade union ELA, with the support of 89,81% of votes (onlye votes the delegates). They have also decided the strategy of next 4 years. According to that strategy, in basque country exist a "national and social classes conflict" and it is necesary organize in the work world and mobilize to stop the social cuts. They have also said that the politic of institutions must change. They denounced that the institutions have been put to the service of the bosses.

They see in the economical crisis "an oportunity" for the Basque Country sovereignty. And encourages the basque institutions to desobey spanish government. They have also support the work with other basque trade unions, especially with LAB.

 

ELA is one of the most important trade union of south basque country (is the biggest). It is one of the oldest basque trade unions. ELA was founded on 1911 by basque nationalists workers. During the spanish dictatorship, ELA was outlawed. In recent decades, ELA have collaborated with other basque trade unions as LAB (socialist and pro-independence) or EHNE (farmers and ranchers of south basque country).

EA fined with 45.000 euros for supporting basque public television

EITB logo

According to Diario de Noticias, EA (pro-independence and leftist political party) have been fined by Nafarroa government (UPN spanish unionist right-wing political party). On 7 of March 2012, guardia civil (spanish military police) sabotaged the antenna that EA placed to watch basque public television in Nafarroa (south basque country).

The European Union have asked to Nafarroa government at least a radio and a TV channel in basque language (to protect minority languages of Europe). But Nafarroa government do not allow basque public television (EITB) emission. EA placed a television antenna without the permission of Nafarroa government.

5 members of EHE arrested after an action

According to Ateak Ireki, 5 militants of "Euskal Herrian Euskaraz" (an organization that fights in favour of basque language in all basque country) have been arrested by foral police (Nafarroa regional police) after a protest in front of Education Department. They have demanded a system of public schools that teaches in "Euskara" (basque language). They have also protested against the education reform that is doing spanish government. EHE militants have shown their desire to identify, but only in basque and Foral police only have spoken in spanish.

They have entered inside the education department. As they have refused to talk in spanish, they have been arrested and moved to foral police station. They have been denounced by police while they were waiting a police that can speak basque. According to EHE, they are going to promote more actions in all basque country.

Here the video:

 

Abertzale left support basque militants in Paris

On January 22 of this year, two basque militants of Iruña (Nafarroa south basque country) began to be judged by french authorities. According to them, they are linked with ETA. The abertzale left called a protest in Paris for that situation.

For Abertzale left "is necessary to end with the blocking strategy and take attitudes in favor of political normalization". "Nowadays, we (basque country) have an unparalleled oportunity of solving the conflict with spanish and french states". "Therefore, the messages that are being sent by basque people and international community are clear: There must be steps in favour of democratic solution". 

The video of the protest:

 

"Iratxoak" mural in the prison of Basauri

The group "Iratxoak" ("elf" in basque) have painted "amnesty" in one of the walls of the Basauri (Bizkaia south basque country) prison. The video of the action:

Beñat Atorrasagasti will be extradited

Beñat

Beñat Atorrasagasti was arrested on 13 of July 2012 in Edinburgh (Scotland) accused of being linked with ETA. He is required by spanish and french authorities. According to naiz, he is going to be extradited to french state (and not to spanish state).

Beñat Atorrasagasti borned in Donostia (Gipuzkoa south basque country). On 2001, he escaped during an operation that according to spanish authorities were arrested the "mugalaris" (people that help ETA to move militants and material through the frontiers of Spain and France) structure. Spanish interior minister said on 2012 that he located in Scotland during 2012. He was arrested by scotish police with the collaboration of Guardia Civil (spanish military police).

The aggression against Xuban Nafarrate unpunished

Ertzaintza using rubber balls

According to Berria, the court of Gasteiz (Araba south basque country) have decided to not continue with the denounce that Xuban Nafarrate placed against Ertzaintza (Basque regional police). 

The March 29 2012, during a general strike in south basque country, Xuban Nafarrate was seriously injured by a rubber ball (Ertzaintza use that arms against people). The rubber ball hit Xuban Nafarrate on his head and he lost consciousness. Besides, when his friends tried to help him, they were beaten by Ertzaintza with batons (and they also put leaflets of general strike in Xuban's mouth). After he was taken to hospital to operate on the head. Some weeks after that case, Iñigo Cabacas was killed by Ertzaintza when they used rubber balls in the streets of Bilbo (Bizkaia south basque country).

According to the court, Xuban Nafarrate was not wounded by a rubber ball. They have said that Xuban was wounded when he was escaping of Ertzaintza during the riots of general strike. Although there is a video where we can see Xuban wounded by a rubber ball. In addition, Xuban and another two friends are going to be judged accused of disobedience.

Manuel Valls: Pro-independence callings are dangerous for France

Manuel Valls (frech interior minister)

In an interview for "Canal Plus", Manuel Valls (french interior minister) was asked by the extradition on Aurore Martin to spanish state. According to the french interior minister, the extradition was inside the fight of the two states (french and spanish) against ETA. Although he said that he did not intervene in the arrest and extradition of Aurore. Besided, he supported the version that the arrest was a coincidence. 

The interior minister has insisted that "we are in a European judicial area, and there was a Spanish arrest warrant" with "serious" allegations against Aurore. Asked about the fact that these allegations were based on their participation in political meetings and press conferences, Valls has retorted that "the words are important."

Manuel Valls has said that "pro-independence callings" in Basque country "are dangerous for the unity of our country". He had also said that french state"is one and indivisible."

Police harassment in Mendillorri

Police in Mendillorri

According to Ateak Ireki, the past friday four local police and two secret police (one of them hooded) entered running inside the fronton of Mendillorri (Iruña Nafarroa south basque country) and identified the young that are playing basque ball.

Almost 30 young of 16-17 years were identified and searched by local police. When one of the police ask one young where he was, he answered Iruña ("Pamplona" in spanish), the police ordered him to say the name of the city in spanish and not in basque. Besides, they forced a young to remove the photos that he taked of the police actuation.

Antifascist solidarity with Greek people

Bilbo (south basque country)

Dozens of people have participated in the protest organized by Sare antifaxista in support of greek people and their struggle against fascism or extreme-right movement. 

Last years, extreme-right movement has increased their activities in Greece. Far-right parties, as the neonazi Golden Dawn, have achieved important support. Besides, fascist crimes are also increasing in Greece (the past week an inmigrant  Shehzad Luqman was killed by far-right militants).

In support of greece movement against fascism and racism, on 19 of January was organized an international protest. Different people of all the world have participated in it: Dublin (Ireland), Derry (Ireland), New York (USA), Edimburgh (Scotland), London (England), Barcelona (Paisos Catalans) etc.

In the protest there have been different representatives of some basque organizations: Sare Antifaxista, Eusko Ekintza (pro-independence and socialist political party), Gazte komunistak (young communist),  Herriko Mumiaren Lagunak (friends of Mumia) etc.

Arrested the three young hidden

Ertzaintza arresting Maitane

According to topatu, the three young militants accused of being members of Segi (a basque young pro-independence and socialist organization) were arrested after the demonstration against the repression of basque young movement in basque country.

Relatives, friends and people protected them while they were chaining themselves to the "Maria Cristina" Hotel (Donosti Gipuzkoa south basque country). After that, Ertzaintza (basque regional police) appeared with anti-riot material and arrested them. The three young asked people for being peaceful so that there were not riots or more injured people.

Arkaitz Anza, Maitane Linazasoro and Xabier Lujanbio decided to hide after the sentence of spanish justice against them (imprisonment for 6-6.5 years). Segi was a young organization of basque country with hundreds of militants in different villages and towns. Spanish justice outlawed it on 2003 and on 2007 consider it terrorist. After that, more than 200 of basque young militants have been arrested, tortured and imprisoned.

Eleak (the movement in favour of basque social and political rights) have denounced the arrests. According to them, the struggle have not finished and there are another three youngs close to being arrested. Video of the demonstration and the arrest:

Hundreds of people support basque youth movement

Hundreds of people have participated in a demonstration in Donosti (Gipuzkoa south basque country) supporting the basque youth rebel movement. Hundreds of basque young have been arrested, tortured and imprisoned the last years after the outlawing of Segi (a basque young pro-independence and socialist organization).

In the demonstration, there have appeared the basque young militants that recently decided to hide themselves by spanish represion.

The demonstration have been organized by Eleak (a movement that fight in favour of basque country social and political rights). Different organizations have supported it: EH Bildu (coalition of pro-independence and leftist political parties), Eusko Ekintza (pro-independence and socialist political party), ELA (main basque trade union), LAB (pro-independence and socialist trade union), EILAS (trade unions), Askapena (basque internationalist organization) etc.

24 basque political prisoners isolated in Fleury

According to ateak ireki, 24 basque political prisoners have been isolated in punishment cells in Fleury (french state). On 7 of January, Jose Javier Oses (a basque political prisoner) discussed with a prison officer (he had a bad attitude with basque prisoners). When they are dicussing, Aitor Elizaran (another basque political prisoner) tried to relax the situation. The prison officer, was nervous and tried to hit Aitor. After that, aitor fall and he recived on his face kicks. After that, they were isolated in punishment cells and the other 22 basque prisoners of Fleuy have isolated themselves in protest for that situation.

Images of 2012 of Basque Country and other countries

Taken from: EkinKlik argazkiak

Joseba Gotzon Vizan arrested in Brazil

According to naiz, Joseba Gotzon Vizán has been arrested in "Río de Janeiro" (Brazil) by federal police of Brazil with the collaboration of spanish police.Joseba Gotzon is from Basauri (Bizkaia south basque country) and had been living in Brazil the last years.

According to spanish interior minister he was linked with ETA in the past. On 1991, he fleed from south basque country after the arrest of a commando. He was accused of participating in the placement of two bombs and of throwing grenades against a spanish police station in Bizkaia (south basque country).

Herrira carries the shout of 115,000 people to the Spanish government

The massive demonstration of Bilbo

Herrira (the main basque organization that fights for basque political prisoners right) have carried the shout of 115.000 people to the spanish government.

According to Berria, two members of Herrira have talked with the spanish government delegation of Iruña (Nafarroa south basque country). They have given them four messages: Human rights, peace, solution and ending with basque political prisoners dispersion.

Acquitted the 18 participants of the picket

A spanish police during a general strike in Basque Country

The participants of a picket in Gernika (Bizkaia south basque country) have been acquitted. They were accused of coercing a worker during a general strike on 2011. That general strike was supported by basque trade unions (different pro-independence unions like: LAB, ELA, EHNE, ESK, Hiru etc.). They were protesting against the pension reform that spanish government pacted with spanish main trade unions: UGT and CC.OO

Each of the participants could be imprisoned for 3 years and forced to pay a fine of 5.500. One of the participants of that picket was Ainhoa Iturbe (at that time leader of EHNE).

AVT and "Dignidad y justicia" denounce the demonstration of Bilbo

The association of terrorism victims in spain (AVT) have asked to spanish justice the identification of all the people that showed photos of basque political prisoners and of the organizers of the demonstration. For them, showing photos of basque prisoners exalts terrorism. According to them, during all the demonstration, thousands of people asked the amnisty for basque prisoners and that is a way of justify their actions. In the complaint they attached different images of the rally.

"Dignidad y Justicia"  denounced also that people showed the photograph of Inma Berriozabal (a basque political prisoners). For them, that images are "publicly exalting the members of a terrorist organization", "approaching the demonstration that results in individual acts of praising terrorism".

AVT and "Dignidad y justicia" are two organizations that constantly denounce different people or organizations of basque country (political parties, newspapers, journalists, counciliours etc.). They are linked with spanish right-wing political parties and movements.

 

Lander Fernandez will be extradited

According to Bilboko Branka web, the basque Lander Fernandez imprisoned in Italian state will be extradited to spain. 

Despite the case of Lander have caused different mobilizations in Italy and Basque Country, finally the court of Rome have decided to extradite him. Although the defense of Lander have ten days to make a judicial remedy.

He was accused of participating in a sabotage (burning a bus in Donosti) on 2002. According to the defense of Lander, he was tortured and the crime has prescribed in Italian law.

Personal comment about 2012

This post is a personal comment about the news that I have posted in my blog. The words in red are linked with different posts of the 2012. Unfortunately, I can not write about all the topics that have been important during 2012 for my poor English level.

BASQUE PEACE PROCESS

Despite ETA announced on 21 of October on 2011 that they gave up arms, french state and spanish state have continued with their repressive politics in all basque country. When even the basque armed organization ETA have expressed their desire of talk.

The peace process has been blocked by the governments. In all the basque country, spanish government and french government have not taken steps with basque political prisoners: The dispersion of basque prisoners have inflicted new accidents, there have been aggressions against basque prisoners or their relatives, prisoners with serious illnesses (cancer etc.) continues in prison (the case of Iosu Uribetxeberria is a good example of spanish politic), the daily humiliations that prisoners suffer etc. Although there are a lot of demonstrations, events and actions in favour of basque prisoners rights.

The arrests have continued in french state, spanish state and abroad. Different militants suspected of being members of ETA have been arrested, the repressive policy against basque young movement have continued in spanish state and french state. The arrest of Aurore Martin and her extradition to spanish state caused important reactions in north basque country (uniting pro-independence political parties and creating contradictions in french political parties). Finally, she was released after important demonstrations and collecting money in iparralde to pay the bail.

Except the bodyguards, the rest of military and police forces continue in basque country. In early 2012 Ertzaintza (basque regional police) killed Iñigo Cabacas. Despite the protests, no ertzaina has been judged and the interior minister of Basque Country has gone unpunished. Although police violence has not reached the levels of other years it has continued with harassment against basque pro-independence political parties, police controls, dozens of attacks etc. During general strikes in south basque country, the police charges against people have caused dozens of injured people, including the shameful case of Xuban Nafarrate. Besides, police goes unpunished of their violent actions against people.

The new strategy of pro-independence political parties of binding, has institutionally strengthened the situation of pro-independence movement. 

Basque pro-independence and leftist political parties have continued in the way of peace with different statements about victims, events etc. The basque armed organization ETA as said, has made no attack. There have been some sabotages in south basque country (although there have been very few and "guardia civil" arrested some people supposedly linked with it). In north basque country, in late 2012, there have been two actions signed with the slogan "Euskal Herria ez dago salgai"-"The basque country is not on sale". In the past, different groups have used that slogan. Although I do not have a lot of information about that.

SOCIAL ISSUE

In south basque country, the cuts in social services, healthcare and education system have been a constant nightmare for people (especially in Nafarroa). As a result of this economic and social situation, there have been 3 general strike. Basque main unions (ELA-LAB-ESK-Hiru-EHNE etc.) and anarchists unions (CNT-CGT) were the most mobilized during all the year. Police repression was strong during that days, with dozens of arrests in south basque country and with a lot of people injured by rubber balls and batons. Besides, direct actions and sabotages increased during general strikes.

Other social movements suffered also repression. In Nafarroa, thousands of people have marched and protested along all the year against the measures of spanish government and Nafarroa government. Causing the reaction of spanish unionism in Nafarroa that see their position threatened. The students mobilizations have been important and some of them were also attacked by spanish police.

Capitalism has severely beaten basque society (and other countries) during 2012. The drama of evictions have caused the death of Amaia Egaña and Juan Manuel Fernandez . The reaction to that issue has achieved some small victories but it is a resistence movement. 

In general, basque trade unions and social organizations have increased their mobilization capacity. New social organizations have been created and other ones like "Ikasle Abertzaleak" or "Herri Ekimena" have increased their strength. Spanish trade unions (CC.OO and UGT) have also increased their mobilizations.

However, cuts continue in all public systems. Economic power (bank, European Union, IMF etc.) determines police. Unemployment rises in all the basque country (especially among young people and immigrants). The pro-independence and socialist movement have not yet articulated a strong response to that power. Some political parties as UPyD asked the remove of autonomies and PP has flirted with racism to get votes.

NORTH BASQUE COUNTRY SITUATION

Although French government have changed (now the PSF is in the government), Iparralde is not recognized as a department. All the pro-independence political parties in north basque country and members of basque PSF-UMP have asked Paris for a new institucional structure for Iparralde. Pro-independence political parties think that with the new institucional structure, the basque country approaches to independence.

Nevertheless, the French government has responded with ambiguities or negative. The arrest of Aurore Martin was a way of showing to basque people which is the position of french government with basque issue. The french state is highly centralized and refuses to recognize the different people (Basque, Corsicans, Bretons etc.). Practicing a policy of assimilation in north basque country: Few jobs for young people, alegality for basque language (Euskara) etc. Besides, collaborates with spanish state against basque struggle arresting and imprisoning members of different basque national movement liberation organizations.

But that policy, can have the opposite effect. Almost north basque country (pro-independence and unionists) have asked french government for a department. The negative of that, can increase basque identity and pro-independence movement force (now all the pro-independence political parties are united) in iparralde. Moreover, creating contradictions inside PSF and UMP local counciliors.